Iowa’s All-Class Top 50 (45-41)

As the season draws near, we’re going to roll out a ten part series counting down the 50 best players in Iowa, regardless of class. There are no frosh on the list, and some sophomores are sprinkled in. Look for Iowa’s 2019 class to make a very strong showing in the rankings; man is that the junior class stacked. And, of course, there will be plenty of seniors to highlight. We might be biased, but we feel like the state of Iowa is egregiously underrated, and as a result, under-recruited year-in and year-out; this top 50 list is a strong group of players, and plainly showcases just how much talent we have here in the Hawkeye State.

45. Cliff McCray, 6’1 PG, Sioux City West (2019)

This uncanny guard had a breakout summer, and did so while excelling with an older group of guys, Showtime Hoopers 17U. He was very good last season as a sophomore, leading his 4A squad in assists, steals and rebounds. McCray and his skill-set are longer a secret, and D1/D2 programs will be coming after him hard over the next 12 months.

44. Keegan Murray, 6’5 SG, Cedar Rapids Prairie (2019)

His exponential rise among the state’s best continues, and now, at 6’5, and with elite shooting ability, Murray can truly be considered one of Iowa’s best. He started last season as a sophomore at Prairie, and should excel this season. Look for him to post some big-time numbers this winter, and D1 offers could come in next summer.

43. Noah Carter, 6’4 PF, Dubuque, Senior (2019)

This kid is one of the more interesting prospects in the state; one, because at 6’4, he’s one of the most effective post-players in Iowa, and two, because he’s also one of the most precise set-shooters in the state. And what makes him especially threatening, is his newfound ability to get up and jam from a standstill position. That explosiveness may just be what takes him to the next level.

42. Aidan Vanderloo, 6′ G, Sioux City East (2019)

The fact that this sharpshooter with an extremely high basketball IQ is our No. 42 guy, is a direct testament to how much talent we have here in Iowa. Vanderloo is as skilled as any player in the state, and his jumper is as pure as you’ll find. He shot 53 percent from the floor last season, 55 percent from deep and 88 percent from the line. He’s a joy to watch.

41. Japannah Kellogg, 6’6 SF, Ames (2019)

Big things are coming for this rangy wing, and after getting his feet wet last season while starting with a 15-win Ames squad, it seems a breakout season is coming for Kellogg. He was impressive enough this past summer to earn a spot with one of the Midwest’s best programs, D1 Minnesota, and he should see his recruitment soar over the next 12 months.